errand
UK: ˈer.ənd | US: ˈer.ənd
n. a short trip taken to perform a specific task, often for someone else
n. the purpose or object of such a trip
The word "errand" traces back to Old English ǣrende, meaning "message" or "mission," derived from Proto-Germanic airundiją. The root err- (from Latin errare, "to wander") reflects the idea of movement or travel, while -and serves as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the meaning shifted from "message" to the task or journey itself, emphasizing the purpose of the trip. The connection to "wandering" subtly persists in the modern sense of a short, purposeful outing.
She went on an errand to buy groceries for her neighbor.
His errand was to deliver the package before noon.
Running errands all day left her exhausted.
The boy forgot his errand and played in the park instead.
A simple errand turned into an adventure when she got lost.